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Climate Injustices Have Multiplied over Time: The Need for Climate System Justice

Author

Listed:
  • Joyeeta Gupta

    (Joyeeta Gupta is the corresponding author (J.Gupta@uva.nl) and is affiliated with the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research at the University of Amsterdam and IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, The Netherlands.)

  • Yang Chen

    (Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.)

  • Clara McDonnell

    (Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.)

  • Augusto Heras

    (Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.)

  • Janina Herzog-Hawelka

    (Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.)

  • Frank de Morrée

    (Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.)

  • Opal Morales Asencio

    (Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.)

Abstract

This article asks: How have climate injustices accumulated in climate negotiations, and how can a climate system justice approach be developed? It concludes that, first, without a just approach, climate change cannot be addressed. Second, it identifies six cumulative injustices: (a) delay of the long-term climate objective, (b) post-equitable sharing of the ‘carbon budget’, (c) ignoring stranded resources and assets, (d) adopting efficient but inequitable/ineffective mitigation instruments, (e) weak adaptation and loss and damage strategies and (f) a symptomatic not curative approach. This article concludes by calling for climate system justice, arguing that only a just approach enables effective climate policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Joyeeta Gupta & Yang Chen & Clara McDonnell & Augusto Heras & Janina Herzog-Hawelka & Frank de Morrée & Opal Morales Asencio, 2025. "Climate Injustices Have Multiplied over Time: The Need for Climate System Justice," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 25(3-4), pages 255-274, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:prodev:v:25:y:2025:i:3-4:p:255-274
    DOI: 10.1177/14649934251360854
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    References listed on IDEAS

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